Communications Platform Out-of-Band Service Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems require participants to disconnect from conference calls to engage in side bar communication sessions, which can either enhance or hinder productivity depending on the context, and there is a need for a method to manage communications services that allows for authorized "out-of-band" services during active sessions without disrupting the main conference.
Innovation Solution
A communications platform and device method that determines and enforces authorization for "out-of-band" services during ongoing communications sessions based on a services policy, allowing or restricting access to additional services like instant messaging or voice calls based on predefined permissions and session types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If participants disconnect from conference calls to engage in side bar communication sessions, then side bar communication can be initiated, but session continuity is disrupted and productivity may be hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The communication session is segmented into multiple concurrent channels: the main conference call continues while separate side bar sessions are established through different communication paths. This allows participants to engage in side bar communications without disconnecting from the main conference, resolving the contradiction between side bar availability and session continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a temporal and spatial dimension to communication by allowing overlapping sessions. Instead of sequential communication (one session at a time), the system enables concurrent communication sessions in different dimensions, permitting side bar sessions to occur simultaneously with the main conference call without disruption.
2Productivity
If participants remain connected to conference calls during side bar sessions, then session continuity is maintained, but unauthorized services may be accessed
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms through services policy enforcement that monitors ongoing communications sessions. The policy evaluation function continuously assesses whether side bar services should be permitted based on the current session context, participant identities, and predefined policies. This feedback loop ensures authorization is maintained while allowing session continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The services policy enforcement mechanism acts as an intermediary between the communication session and service access. It mediates by evaluating policies and determining whether side bar services should be permitted, thus maintaining both session continuity and proper authorization control through this intermediate layer.
3Reliability
If services policy enforcement is implemented for out-of-band services, then service authorization is ensured, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The services policy enforcement mechanism is designed as a universal, multi-functional component that handles various communication session types (conferences, side bars, instant messaging) through a single policy evaluation function. This universal approach reduces overall system complexity by avoiding separate enforcement mechanisms for each service type while maintaining reliable authorization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing communications services begins with a communications platform receiving a request for a communications service to be provided to a communications device by a source other than the communications platform. The communications platform determines an authorization of the communications device to receive the communications service. The authorization comprises a permission of the communications device to receive the communications service during a lifetime of a communications session maintained with the communications device. The communications network authorizes delivery of the communications service to the communications device during the lifetime of the communications session, in accordance with the authorization.